By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 15: The Sarawak government is driving a major transformation of its civil service through a ‘lean civil service’ approach, a strategic initiative aimed at building an agile, efficient, and high-performing administration that will propel Sarawak toward its vision of becoming the ‘economic star of Asia’.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the approach focuses on developing a smaller yet more capable civil service, one that prioritises effective policy delivery, strategic governance, and measurable results.
“The management of state assets and strategic investments is now entrusted to government-linked companies (GLCs) operating in a corporate and professional manner, thereby generating returns for the State through dividends,” he said when officiating the Sarawak Civil Service One Team Retreat (SCS OTR) 2025 Programme in Singapore today.
He stressed that the role of civil servants today extends far beyond implementing policies as they now serve as strategic partners in achieving Sarawak’s holistic and sustainable development agenda.
To meet these expectations, Abang Johari said civil servants must understand Sarawak’s evolving economic landscape, particularly its green economy initiatives, carbon trading mechanisms, and investments in strategic sectors such as energy and gas.
“Sarawak is investing heavily in training and international exposure through collaborations with prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, and the World Bank.
“We also provide executive programmes for senior officers to ensure they remain informed on global trends and emerging technologies. We want civil servants who understand how future technologies work, from chip design to smart systems. These innovations demand not only power and water but, most importantly, brain power,” he added.
The Premier reiterated his aspiration for Sarawak to achieve developed and high-income status by 2030, envisioning the region as the “Nordic country of Asia”, an example of innovation, sustainability, and inclusiveness, and ultimately to shine as the economic star of Asia.
He also shared his long-term vision for 2050, which includes Sarawak’s mastery of advanced technologies, chip design, and participation in high-impact global industries.
“If Elon Musk can build spacecraft to reach Mars, then we too can become a star in Asia with the support of high-quality, forward-thinking civil servants who are bold enough to bring fresh ideas,” he said.
The closing ceremony of the SCS OTR 2025 Programme was also attended by Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; and various heads of departments.
